Happy Birthday Dad!!!!

Happy Birthday Dad....(I know, I know I am a day late!) What to say about the best dad in the whole world??? Don't argue with me on that one cause I will fight you to the bloody end!!! I have so many good memories and experiences that include my dad that I don't know which ones to pick! Neil Diamond blasting on the stereo, dancing in the car, kitchen, or wherever we can listen was a common occurrence growing up with Dad. He loves him and was never afraid to sing and dance with his girls!! He has a distinct style and it always keeps me laughing! Always on the sidelines, in the stands, or in the audience no matter what was going on! He has been a support in anything that I wanted to do, and cheered loudly for me. Many times when I have been discouraged about something he has given me a pep talk to help me to keep going. He has great advice and knows much about life in general.

Dad has a VERY outgoing personality, many times we will be somewhere (out of the city even) and he knows someone. People are always excited to see him and he makes everyone feel like a million bucks! He would go on walks while we were growing up and be gone for hours and have not gone more then a few blocks because he was talking to people. I am thankful that this is one trait that I have gotten from him...although at times I do talk a little too much!

Since we didn't have any brothers we did a lot of boy things as well with dad. We went camping all the time, played sports, boating, and fishing. Many times he even took just the girls to Powell with the neighbors cause mom had to work. I have many fond memories of Powell, Flaming Gorge, and Joe's valley. Dad was always patient when it took longer to get things done cause girls just take longer!!! And he even stopped a few times while traveling when we needed to go to the bathroom! It was fun learning how to run the boat, how to set up camp, and fish. He made sure that we had fun everywhere we went. Dad loves to golf and is very good at it! Some of his son in laws like to play and it keeps them doing guy stuff!!

He loves giving crabbers!!!! This is his way of tickling and as a kid it was frequent but a way for him to show he loved us. It is fun to watch with the grand kids as he expresses his love in his own way! Many people find him intimidating, he has a way of looking into your very soul and knowing what is going on or seeing what might not be shown on the surface but he is such a big teddy bear underneath and is not judgemental at all!! When people say he is intimidating I just tell them they need to get to know him and he won't be for too long! He is a very caring and gentle man....although I have not seen him cry too often I know that he has a sensitive side. It was a very emotional day as I left for my mission and he shared sentiments that I had never heard from him, but was so thankful for his love and concern.

He has a way of communicating that is just his own! Many times he can't think of a word for something but looks in the general area and points. Growing up it was frustrating but I think that I just might have it done now.....after all I use the same language sometimes!

Dad has a strong testimony of the gospel. He has always been a great example of how to live a righteous life. He has always fulfilled his callings and done his duty to help further the gospel in his ward and stake. As a family we received so many blessings from his service as Bishop, Stake President, and now Patriarch. He is a very humble man as well, doesn't want attention drawn to him and simply does what he should. I have been lifted in times of struggle by his unwavering testimony of the gospel and his frequent statements that it is simply true!!! What a blessing he is!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!! May the coming year be a great one....you deserve it!! I appreciate you being my dad but most important being my friend! I have learned much from your example and am glad that I have the blessing of being your daughter!!! Love you!!!

Happy Birthday Dude!!!!

Today is my brother in law Spencer's birthday! Happy Birthday Dude!!! Spence is a great addition to our family in many ways. He is a great cook!! He can always be counted on for some good eats.....which is a good thing cause Mandy doesn't cook at all! He makes all sorts of things and they have always been a hit! Although he doesn't like chocolate......how did he get in the family??? He is a wonderful dad....he and Lilly get along well and he is always taking her to all kinds of fun adventures. Just a week or so ago he took her to hit some balls on the golf course that was after he bought her a set of clubs! He likes to golf. :) He is an avid Utah fan, he has tickets to both basketball and football with family and friends and supports them whole heartedly....once again how did he get in the family???

He has often been working on getting in better shape...although he has never needed it. One time one of my sisters or mom asked what diet plan he was doing and he said "Body by Spence!" It has been a running joke in our family that whenever he is trying to loose a few pounds he is on that diet. It seems to work though cause he is always in good shape. He has done a few bike races as well as triathlons. Last summer he ran the Wasatch Back with some of our cousins. He is an inspiration to me and I have enjoyed cheering him on during his events on a few occasions. Although I don't think that I will be doing a tri anytime soon! He also played soccer in college.

He has always been there for me in all the events of my life, coming to all the events that I have been involved in. He gave me advice as I left on my mission and cheered as I graduated from college. He can always been counted on to cheat while playing Boggle---he loves to make up words!!! Which isn't a good thing since my mom is an English teacher, but he sure makes a valiant effort to get points!!

Spence I hope that you have a great day and know that I appreciate you in the family!! Thanks for your sense of humor. Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Mother's Day.....

Or Happy Women's Day as we celebrate in our house. I love that we have a day to celebrate and appreciate women. I love that we celebrate all women in our family...I don't know if my mom started cause she thought that I felt bad because I don't have kids yet or she just truly understands that we are all mothers in some way, but I love it! Honestly I feel okay with the fact that I don't have children yet.........don't get me wrong it is a huge desire of my heart but I try hard to see what influence I can have in others lives without giving birth to them. :) I have had SO many opportunities to give around me that I sometimes forget that being married and having a family of my own is actually something that can happen! I have 6 wonderful nieces and nephews (and one on the way) who I ADORE!!! They have taught me so much about the patience, love, sacrifice, and humility that it takes to be a parent. I couldn't ask for better kids!!! They ALWAYS know when I need a hug, smile, or phone call! I have laughed hard and often at their jokes, played like a kid again, and snuggled till we all fell asleep. I enjoy being able to babysit them often and I truly cherish the time that I can give to them, many times it is a sacrifice but I always come away feeling loved. Thank you for making me feel special!!!

I am very thankful for all the wonderful women in my life. I have taken some time the last few days to reflect on the influence that so many awesome, talented women have had on me through the years. I have rubbed shoulders with some of the best that there are! I have been blessed with so many great examples in my life, women that have taught me many things and who live their lives in a righteous way. My mom who is simply a rock! 2 wonderful grandmothers who have left his earth but who continue to teach me as I learn more about their lives, 4 sisters who are my dear friends---they support me in all that I do and are always there for a good chat, aunts, cousins, second mothers, Bishop's wives, friends, co-workers, school mates, roommates, mission companions, ward members---the list goes on and on!!

Many of these women have come and gone in my life but their influence and examples have stayed. I have a quote in my room that I think describes all of these women perfectly...it is by President David O. McKay:

"A beautiful, modest, gracious woman is creation's masterpiece. When to these virtues a woman possesses as guiding stars in her life righteousness and godliness and an irresistible impulse and desire to make others happy, no one will question if she is classed among those who are truly great."

I just want to thank all the wonderful women in my life who have influenced me in so many ways. Who have taught me what is right, who I consider among the great, and who have unwavering testimonies of Our Savior. Thank you for making a difference in my life so that I can in turn make a difference in someone else's.

New Restaurant!

I just wanted to give a little shout out for a new restaurant that one of my best friends and her brother in law are involved in. It is called POUNDCAKES and is located in Trolley Square in downtown SLC, it is also a Wiseguys Comedy Club. If you live in the area and want to try a new restaurant give this place a try! I have been there a couple of times already and it is good! The prices are reasonable and the food is great! Especially the Chocolate Ganache Cake, it was simply marvelous!!!! They have comedy on Fri and Saturday nights at 8pm and 10pm. Give it a try, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Way to Go....

This weekend Kylie and Jake tested for the next level in Karate. They both did a great job! Thanks for inviting me!!

Kylie testing for her recommended black belt

Kylie doing her board breaks!!! Awesome!

Kylie getting her recommended black belt! In a couple months she will test for her black belt...watch out!!!

Good Job!!!!

Jake testing for his purple belt!

Jake in his gear!

Jake getting his purple belt!

Finished Product....

Here are the photos of my condo! Everything is done that is until I decide to do another project!

Front Room


Front Room


Dining Area

Kitchen

Kitchen

Bedroom

Happy Birthday Nana!!!

Today was my Nana's birthday. Audrie May McCashland Kennington, she is my dad's mom. I have so many memories of Nana that it is hard to pick just a few. She died when I was in the 7th grade so most of my memories are from my childhood. I really wish that I would have know her as an adult, but am grateful for her influence in my life even today. We spent many a night sleeping over at their house on the orange fold out couch. She was always a great hostess and took great care of us. She often took us shopping after a slumber party and the most often bought items were shoes and underwear, super exciting! Nana was a woman of great faith, she had a testimony that was rock solid!!! I learned a lot from her dedication to the gospel and her teaching us in her little subtle ways. Singing songs on car rides or as we played in the yard. Many of the hymns bring tears to my eyes when I sing them because they hold memories of time spent with Nana. My first memories and exposure to Relief Society were in her ward, she asked us to sing for a lesson and I recall the love and sisterhood that we felt there. I knew that that is somewhere that I belonged, that has only increased as the years have past.

Snowbird every year as a family in the summer over my birthday are also great memories. She and Poppy sacrificed so that we could be there and have a good time. She could often be found yelling over the balcony to Poppy at the pool that we needed to come in cause your lips were blue! My sister Mandy and I went with Nana and Poppy one summer to visit our cousins in New Mexico. We drove down there and it was a lot of fun! We spent time in hotels and ate yummy food! She let us get Ohs cereal which our mother never let us do! And we really had a good time talking, playing, and building memories!

Nana was a spit fire. She was very strong willed and told you like it was, at times this was a bit scary but she was also a very loving woman. She loved us so much and did many things for us, I never questioned her love for me. You never argued with Nana cause she was ALWAYS right!!! I recall one time that I tried to trick her into thinking that I had eaten my cooked carrots, which I HATED, and she discovered that I was lying and made me eat them cold...even worse!!! To this day I can't eat them without thinking of her! Sunday dinners were frequent at their home and it was always very yummy! She was a great cook, although she used a lot of fat!! But I learned to love peaches/pears with cottage cheese at her dinner table! She made Poppy vacuum the back porch and this was one of the funniest things that I had ever seen. They had carpet on the back porch and she kept it super clean, or I guess she made Poppy do so!!

In their retirement years she and Poppy worked in the temple. They were very dedicated to this calling and often got up early to make it to the temple by 6am!! I could never do that!! She taught my dad a lot and I am thankful for that for he has in turn taught me. She had hardships in her life trying to have children and she never complained that I heard about loosing children or anything associated with that. I look up to her for that and am thankful for her example of faith. I really wish that I could have shared more years with her, I know that she would be proud of the things that I have done in my life. But I know that her time on earth was what it needed to be and am thankful that she lives on in her posterity. After all her great-granddaughter Audrie is named after her and is just as much a spite fire as she was!!!

Happy Birthday Nana!! May you be proud of your posterity!!!